Sedum spectabile

    Sedum spectabile - please refer to plant caretag for variety information

Common name - Stonecrop / Autumn Joy

Flowering period - Blooms in summer through fall.

Features - One of the least demanding, most satisfying perennials in the garden. Flower heads form in July and the flat corymbs look like broccoli. In August, the flowers start to color up, turning pink. Slowly the flowers turn red, and later in fall they turn a deeper rusty-red. Succulent, dark green leaves. Clump forming.

Spacing - Plant 18" to 24" apart (45 - 60 cm)

Height - Grows 18" to 24" tall (45 - 60 cm)

Soil and water - Plant in slightly alkaline, fertile but well drained soil. Water thoroughly allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Light requirements - Plant in full sun.

Best use - Classic plants for rock gardens. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Nice for larger patio containers.

Growing tips - Not a heavy feeder. Add organic fertilizer in spring, as well as compost or manure. No pruning is necessary except to clean up dead stems in late fall. If you leave the plant intact over winter, prune out dead stems in early spring.

Hardiness - Hardy to USDA zone 3 to 9

Perennial definition

A perennial is any plant that lives for three or more years when it is grown in conditions to its liking is called perennial.

Planning your garden

For beginners it is important to draw a garden layout plan

• Choose plants suitable for the site (sun vs. shade, soil, etc)

• Arrange plants according to their height

• Arrange according to plant form and texture

• Arrange according to flowering periods for constant blooming

• Arrange in groupings by type and color considerations

Perennials - FAQs

Q - When should I cut down my perennial plants?
A - It is often a matter of choice, but the easiest way to know whether to cut down a plant at the end of the season is if it has finished flowering; has browning or dying leaves; is grown leggy or too bushy.

Q - How do I know if my garden mums are perennial?
A - Leave them in the ground until the next Spring, and then check for new growth below the crown. If you see new green growth, cut the stems down and plant over until they come back in late summer or early fall.

Q - Which perennials tolerate drought?
A - Purple coneflower (or Echinacea) and aster will tolerate drought well.

Q - When is the best time to water my plants?
A - Early morning is best, because plants have a chance to soak up the moisture. Watering late in the evening can promote disease in plants.

Q - What is the difference between an annual and a perennial?
A - An Annual goes through its life cycle in one summer, a perennial will bloom summer after summer.

Q - What is the difference between a biennial and a perennial?
A - A biennial plant is a flowering plant that takes two years to complete its biological lifecycle, a perennial will bloom summer after summer.

Q - Should I divide my perennials, how often?
A - Some plants will need to be divided every 3-5 years. If your plant looks crowded and doesn't appear to be blooming as it used to, then it might be time to divide it.

Q - Can I grow perennials in containers?
A - Yes you can, and there are many benefits. Although you may not be able to over-winter perennials in containers because they may not tolerate the harder freeze.

Q - How much fertilizer should I use to make my flower beds look good?
A - Different plants need different fertilizers, fertilizing once every 2 weeks will promote strong healthy plant growth. Too much fertilizer can be bad.

Q - How far apart should I plant my perennials?
A - Consult the plant care tag and consider the height and width of the plant once it reached it's full size.